Three postdoctoral fellowship in astrophysics applied to the study of exoplanets at iREx/Université de Montréal

The Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx), affiliated with the Department of Physics of the Université de Montréal (UdeM), invites applications for three (3) postdoctoral fellowships in astrophysics applied to the study of exoplanets.

The Institute for Research on Exoplanets (iREx) consists of a growing team of 40+ people (professors, postdocs, research assistants and students), mostly from UdeM and McGill all working on various research programs focused on the study of exoplanets and related fields of stellar astrophysics. Members of iREx have a leadership role in many large international facilities related to the detection and characterization of exoplanets, notably the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), precision radial velocity instruments SPIRou and NIRPS, and the Gemini Planet Imager. iREx researchers have access to significant guaranteed time observations (GTO) with these facilities. More information on iREx research programs can be found on the institute website: http://www.exoplanetes.umontreal.ca/research/?lang=en.

– One (1) of the available positions is for the Trottier Postdoctoral Fellowship, which enables forefront independent research related to exoplanets. All areas of exoplanet research will be considered, but priority will be given to candidates with research programs and expertise well aligned with the science programs of SPIRou and NIRPS.

– The other two (2) positions, funded by the Canadian Space Agency, are to work with JWST NIRISS team on the data reduction, analysis and publication of their 200-hr GTO NIRISS program dedicated to transit and eclipse spectroscopy observations of a wide variety of exoplanets, from hot Jupiters to small rocky temperate planets orbiting nearby low-mass stars.

A PhD in physics, astronomy or related discipline is required at the start of the fellowship, which is expected to be between May and September 2018. The positions are for two years, renewable for a third one subject to performance and availability of funds. Preference will be given to applicants who received their PhD within the last 3 years.

Université de Montréal promotes diversity in its workforce through its Equal access to employment program. It encourages members of visible and ethnic minorities as well as women, Aboriginal people, persons with disabilities and people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to apply.